. Imperious Regime .

[Nymiane]

Breena lazily drew herself to her feet, her eyes peering out the dirty window, she had made a clean spot early, and already the dust began to settle in its place again. A slight frown creased her brow as she awaited for her steed to return. The last of the noon storm had passed, and she had guessed it had now been a little over an hour since they had entered the cabin.
Bree yawned out of boredom, her eyes lowering to Rheavon’s form.
“Maybe he did fetch himself some mares while he was at it..” She muttered, leaning her elbow against the window sill.

The air in the cabin had long ago grew stagnant, Bree could no longer endure it and so she pushed the cabin’s door open, the fresh cool air rushing into her nostrils. The rain had cooled the earth, and luckily the sun was still blanketed by the clouds. She knew once the sun was revealed that it would be blazing, and the humidity.. Bree blew away a strand of hair that curled around her face, she scoffed as she turned to speak to Rheavon, but paused.

Tor’s hooves hit the ground, churning up the earth beneath him. His wild ebon mane and tail wavered in the wind he created, his muscles rippled as he charged across the land. With ears held flat toward his head he chased the straggler back into the meadow, and whenever he chose to stray, Tor would charge toward his flank, with teeth bared. A few times his teeth met the geldings flesh, and one could hear the snap that it made once he let go. The poor gelding ran for his life, blindly galloping around, allowing the steed to herd him.

“It’s time to go.” She shouldered her pack, her sword and set out the door. Fingers went to her mouth and she let out a shrill whistle. Tor’s ears perked and he changed his course, striding toward his companion.
“Check your tack, and your horse. He is not well enough to ride yet.” She smiled, she didn’t have to see the horse to know he was lathered and needing cooling out. Bree continued. “You will ride with me.”

[rheavon]

Rheavon silently climbed to his feet, stretching a bit as he dusted the ragged clothes she had found for him earlier off. Sighing as he felt the dirty fabric clinging to his ebony skin, smirking a bit he slipped past her as she spoke of them riding together.

Giving an exasperated shrug of his shoulders, trying to over exaggerate the expression as he looked at her with a pained look. "If I must..."

Laughing quietly he skipped ahead, out of her reach as he approached his own mount. Eyeing it lightly, before he glanced at Tor for a moment, screwing his mouth up for a moment. Slipping further back the animal, he quickly checked the saddle bags, making sure they were secure. Blinking in amazement as he reaches inside and finds that the oiled leather had kept things things dry even through that storm. Drawing out some clean clothes he steps around behind the building calling out, "Give me a moment to get out of these rags first..."

[Nymiane]

Bree stood just outside the doorway, her eyes drifting toward Rheavon's form, she couldn't help but snicker as she noted the rags he was still wearing.
"Such snobbery, Dear master.."
She eyed him as he brushed past her, her lips contorted as she puckered them up. A heavy breath rolled over her lips at his actions, she dismissed his words and decided to check her own mount.

With gentle hands she ran her fingers along his steaming form, which was now coated in a lather. He too would need to cool out for a while, but was still rideable. She finished checking him over, and found nothing but sweat upon his hide. She smiled and gave him a scritch on his cheek.

When Breena heard Rheavon speak of changing, she quirked a brow at his modesty. Then a grin played upon her face and when he was out of view she snuck up from around the corner, silently. Suddenly, she spoke.

"It's rather pointless you know. No one hardly travels these parts. Except for me.." She paused for a moment to remember the day they had stumbled into each other. Bree and Tor were cooling off in a nearby pond.. She chuckled and bowed her head.

[rheavon]

Peering up at her, his shirt already off and his pants halfway down, he merely shook his head, laughing lightly. "Its a force of habit..." Still laughing, he forced himself not to cover up, standing before her, his toned drow physique in stark contrast to the sun peaking out from behind the clouds.

Tossing the rags in a pile, he sighed a bit. Pleased to at least have the prickly clothes off. Finding a small bucket, still full from the shower he scooped the brackish water out in his hand, using it to wipe away the dust from the old clothing. Feeling refreshed he grabbed his clothes and started to get dressed. Pulling the dark breeches up, before grabbing the tanned leather vest and tossing it on.

Glancing up at the sky for a moment, he could feel the heat from the sun starting to warm everything up after the rainstorm. Whispering softly, more to himself than to her, "Will put more on when we get closer.." Stretching as he walked over to her and pressing against her and hugging her lightly. "Shall we go?"

[Nymiane]

Breena let her eyes gaze upon Rheavon's form, she smiled to herself as she noted his somewhat bashful behavior, in the back of her mind she thought it odd, Bree simply shook her head and muttered 'silly elf..' as she turned her back to him.

A bare hand slid the sleeves of the fitted blouse up her arm, she tugged upon a cord on each sleeve and tightened it upon her bicep, this way they would not tumble back down her arm. Upon her forearms the silver scarring stared up at her, she followed the lines to her palms and then clenched both fists. She then noted the slight pang of pain in her right arm, and gave it a gentle pat. It was nearly gone now, the bone still ached.. She simply reached into a pouch upon her hip and grabbed a few leaves of some herb, then placed it under her tongue.

Cerulean eyes grew focused once again as she heard footsteps from behind her, she turned her head to see Rheavon's form drawing closer. "Stay here.." She quietly ordered as she took a step toward Tor. One hand grabbed a tuff of mane while her feet sprang her forth with ease. She landed upon the steeds back, like a feather upon the ground. "I need to fetch his saddle."

Tor strode off into a slow trot, Bree easily sat to his rhythm, her legs dangled at his wide barrel, her bum never left his back as he strode on. She gave him a great pat to the neck, her hair whipping behind her, wavering much like a banner.
When they reached the tree where she had left the saddle and her pack, she praised herself for having tucked it into a hole in the tree, all her belongings were dry. She saddle her mount up, gave him a treat, then bridled him as well. For good measure she checked her tack over, mounted and then set off back toward Rheavon.

Breena muttered an old warrior's call in her own tongue, she hissed the words, and her voice seemed to echo over the land. She felt her hand slid to the hilt of her sword, he too hissed his own words. Sounding as if they were one, they charged forward. Tor felt as if he were soaring across the open field, Feidhelm pierced through the air as he pointed toward Rheavon, and Bree's eyes pierced across the field, eyeing him down.

It was in almost an instant they met up with Rheavon once again, Tor slid to the side, skidding across the damp ground, he tore the earth up beneath him, spitting dirt up at Rheavon, and Bree greeted him with Feidhelm held to his neck.
"I've been studying..things.." She wrinkled her nose up and left it at that, though she still kept her sword pointed at him.

[rheavon]

Met her eyes silently, barely even blinking as he felt the point of the sword aimed at his throat. Casually licking his lips he held her gaze with his own, listening to her words as he arched his eyebrows. Letting his arms cross against his chest as he took an easy stance, curious as to what she meant to do, "Studying?" Arching his eyebrow lightly.

His own pale gaze, never moved from her eyes as he stepped closer to her. Little step by little step he approached the extended blade until the point touched softly at his neck, "And what have you been studying that would require you to threaten me?" He trusted her, had no reason not to, after having been saved by her, he felt that deep down his life, was hers. Not that she owned him, or held power over him, just that she was special to him and he knew that she would not break that trust without very good reason.

Pressing closer, moving to the point where the sword pressed at his skin, on the verge of breaking through.

[Nymiane]

Nodded as if confirming something within herself, a sense of pride swelled in her, and she nearly giggled like a child. Breena kept herself in check as she peered down at Rheavon, her eyes still dancing with glee, she nodded to him, lips pursed.
"Yes..studying.." She drifted for a moment, narrowing her eyes as she leaned down toward him. "About the ways of your kind.." She smirked and sat upright once again, her sword still held out to him. It wasn't all a lie, she had taken up much time in the library when boredom seized her mind.

Cerulean eyes held onto the pair before her, she could feel the power of the blade course through her blood as flesh kissed upon the fine metal. She inhaled sharply as butterflies flitted in her stomach, Breena held her control over the blade with ease, though Feidhelm teased her mind, with empty promises.
"Threaten, My dear Lord?" Bree broke the gaze for a moment to stare ahead, her lips twitched into a grin, as her nose wrinkled up. "Never.." She winked and flipped the sword into the air, catching it by the hilt and thrusting it into the scabbard upon her back.

Breena extended her hand to Rheavon, her eyes locked upon his form. "Come with me now..mount up.." She smiled softly, her features for once looked soft, sincerity glimmered in her eyes, instead of sarcasm. Her lips were not held in a grin, or a smirk... all of her snarky mannerisms..disappeared. For a brief moment she looked like a vulnerable woman, a glimpse of who she might have been had she not fell into such a lifestyle. Again..she said.. "Mount up."

[rheavon]

Letting the comment go about studying, he just absently stored it away in the back of his mind. Filing it away for future reference as he took her hand, squeezing it lightly.

A soft smile creased his lips as he took her hand, "My kind?" His thoughts drifting for a moment back to the people he had long since left behind. Shaking his head for a moment, he fell back into the moment as he used her to draw himself up. Climbing up behind her and settling in, pressing against her back, lightly wrapping his arms around her waist.

Resting his head on her shoulder he smiled, enjoying the moment. Wetting his lips a bit, slipping his hand up to rub his throat gingerly, chuckling as he said, "You are a unique woman Breena..." Smiling, he pressed tighter to her, calling his own horse over he took its reigns lightly, holding them at his back to give the horse lots of room for it to follow them.

"Well m'lady...shall we get going?"

[Nymiane]

Bree returned the gentle squeeze, and in a flash her vulnerable state vanished. The smirk crossed her face once more as she pulled him upward and scootched forward. She gave Tor a pat upon the neck and chuckled.
"Yes, your kind. The Drow. Interesting folk. I believe I would fit right in." She bit her bottom lip, her brows knitting together. "Aside from the whole pale as the moonlight, and surface elf thing.."

Bree chuckled softly to herself and urged Tor forward with her legs, he strode off at a swift walk. A smile crossed her pale face, her pearly whites glimmering in the sun's strong rays. "I hope so. I do hope so. The world is doomed if I am not.." She sighed half way through her statement, her hand patting the back of his.

[rheavon]

Shook his head slowly, his thoughts drifting to the stories he had heard about his people. Thoughts of what his life could have been like if he had grown up in the ancestral home instead of the surface world's orphanage, "No...I don't think you would fit in, I do not know why you would wish to fit in among them, or even want to." His brows furrowing slightly as she continued to speak, feeling her hand on his, as his eyes opened wide at her last comment.

"Why would the world rest upon you fitting in with them?" His eyes practically glowed with the curiosity he felt. Confused as to why such a thing would be needed. With a shake of his head he leaned against her, leaving her in control of Tor while he pulled his own horse along with them.

[Nymiane]

She had to make some effort in slowing her beast, for he still had a lot of wind left in his lungs, but Breena did not want to waste it at this moment. She may need him very soon.
Bree quirked a curious brow but did not turn her head to glance back at Rheavon, she stared ahead allowing him to finish up his words. She then felt as if she had been put on the defense, what if she did want to fit in with them? It wasn't important to her, she just felt somewhat insulted.

Finally she snapped at the last sentence, she jerked her head to the side, her cerulean gaze glaring at him.
"Seeing as how I poked a tender nerve.. you seem to have overlooked what I meant. I rejoice in the fact that I am a unique woman. The world depends on that!" She turned her head as to face forward once more and pressed Tor on into a slow trot.

[rheavon]

Shaking his head slowly he sighed, "I meant no disrespect, merely stating that the good in you, the reasons I adore you, are the very reasons they would shun you." Pressing closer to her back he held onto her, Trying to make sure that when Tor turned or bumped he wasn't tossed from the great beasts back.

"That said, The world is doomed if I am not, was strong wording...Not usually something said lightly. However if you say its nothing, I have no reason to believe otherwise." Smiling a bit he rested his head on her shoulder, watching for anything that might happen across their path.

[Nymiane]

Occasionally Bree would turn her head to look upon the horse following along. Little by little his breathing slowed back to a regular pace. His form was now caked in dried sweat, and waves of sweat licked fur zigzagged along his frame. Bree scoffed at the condition of the horse, she wondered how often they were exercised. She remembered that he was just a sprinter, and in her mind she lightened up on her judgment, though she thought to herself that mayhaps she would take the conditioning into her own hands. Someday there would be games to be played in the land.

Bree's lips twitched as Rheavon spoke, she felt herself smirking as he spoke of the good in her, with eyes narrowed she stared ahead at the winding bridlepath. Rolling hills of farmland as far as the eye could see. Beautiful ancient trees dotting along the paths side, she saw farmer's tilling the land, preening it as if it were something precious, and indeed it was.
The woman's eyes softened as she turned her head to regard Rheavon, the good in her, she thought to herself.
" I've not heard those words in a long time.. " Tor slowed his pace on his own, his gait returning back to a forward walk. The sound of his hooves upon the ground sent Bree into a sort of trance, again she peered forward, eyes taking in the marvelous view of the country side.

" Well, My Lord...only the gods know what I am capable of. " She chortled and grabbed her loose hair, tucking it beneath her shirt. " The next mount we come across, trade. " She said rather plainly. " Unless you are attatched to him. Tor will tire quickly if he has to carry both of us. "

In the distance she could see a cluster of people, she wondered why they were all gathered. Chestnut brows furrowed as she squinted her eyes, she noted most of them were women and with a roll of the eye she urged Tor into a quick trot. " It's him! " She didn't expect Rheavon to know what or who she was hitting about, but she knew who it was ahead. The thought of this being, infuriated her.

[rheavon]

Nodding slowly he agreed with her, "Yes, thats fine. I am not attached to it. Sighing lightly he pursed his lips in thought before chuckling lightly at her comment of only the gods knowing what she would do.

Rheavon Narrowed his eyes as he peered around her, trying to figure out what she was getting excited about. His fingers wrapping slowly around the hilts of the two swords strapped to his waist, they weren't the cursed/blessed blades that had a tendency to drive him into a blood rage, instead it was the blades he had trained on for years. The blades he had used for countless assassinations.

Wetting his lips lightly, Rheavon eased the blades in their scabbards, using his knees to hold tightly to the mount behind Breena as he whispered to her, "It's who? Who is it?" Narrowing his eyes he quickly gaged how far they had traveled. Noting that they were still within his realm, a grim smile crossed his lips.

[Nymiane]

" Good then, it's settled. " Breena's smiled lopsidedly as she spoke, her minds eye focused upon the man in a crowd of women. The hackles upon her neck raised as her fingers dove for a dagger at her waist, and in one fluid motion the dagger went sailing through the air.

" It's Finn. " She finally muttered. The free blade had managed to do just as she had planned. It pierced through the back of his loose shirt, without biting into his flesh, and it exited before it planted itself within a tree. The act was meant to grab his attention, not to mame him. She thought it had served its purpose well enough, for Finn jerked his head as he felt the tug the blade had given the fabric.

With wide eyes Finn stared at Breena, the ladies surrounding him took a step back, gasping, and squealing. He stammered as he tried to keep them all calm, and before long his arrogant disposition returned. He scoffed and folded his arms as he strided toward Breena.
" Aye.. He didn't think ye'd be far off.. " He flicked one of his curled locks away from his face as Breena drew closer. Dark eyes then moved past her form and toward the Drow behind her. With a chuckle he spoke.
" Brought yer elf with ye too, charmin'. " He chortled upon seeing Bree's expression, but stopped abruptly in fear he would cross the line, if he hadn't already.

" Where is he? You fool! He seperated us, why? That is far to da-- " Finn interupted her, his face held a grim expression.
" I know it be dangerous. It be his idea to keep us seperated. He be wantin' me to post him, Liam was to be headin' west..but he be clingin' to his lady loves breasts.. " He paused to let his words sink in, then decided against speaking of Breena's own lovely situation.

[rheavon]

Watched the dagger tear a hole through Finn's cloak and embed into a near by tree, holding back a chuckle as he thought to himself that it was definately an interesting way of getting someone's attention. "Oh...Finn? For the ire it seems that he has put you in, I hope I never cause you to be that mad at me!" Laughing lightly he settled in and started to sit back to watching them talk.

Arching his eyebrow at the 'yer elf' comment, he bit his tongue softly, holding back a comment. From behind Breena he openly placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, his eyes meeting Finn's with a dangerous glint. Holding down a growl he forced himself to calm down, his hand hanging down away from his sword.

Keeping his silence he just listens, this was their conversation, there was nothing really he needed to add.

[Nymiane]

Breena scoffed at Rheavon's first words, it seemed so silly that she would be this distraught, this infuriated over the brothers parting. It was against their code, it was against what they had taught her. It was dangerous. Too many people knew them, things could easily spiral away. Ever since Darach had passed she felt as if she were watch dog of the brothers, they would get sloppy, or simply didn't care. After all, they are the Donovans, and men. She thought to herself. They didn't have the stealth that she had, they didn't have a lot of things, and common sense happened to be one of them.

Breena slid her hand behind herself, she could feel Rheavon tense upon the comment and so she gave him a gentle pat upon his leg.
" I suggest you watch your words. You're in no place to be speaking like that, may I remind you. " Cerulean eyes shot to a woman who stood near by, her mouth contorted and she spat out her fiery words.
" Oh.. coming from a cross-dressing lousy marksm..woman! " She folded her arms proudly, she looked over at Finn to see a glimmer of worry in his eyes. She deflated, only a little..

" I didn't miss, and Finn knows that. " She spoke cooly, not feeling anymore need to explain herself. She sighed softly her shoulders slumping forward for a moment. " He's in Ta'Lorn, isn't he? " Finn simply nodded. " Fetch me a new horse for Rheavon. " She dismounted Tor and walked toward the sour woman. "Fetch me a new horse, please." She easily towered over the woman, her frame twice the size of hers. She laughed on the inside as the woman deflated all the more. "You will be gaining a prized horse. Now fetch me a new horse." She said in a more demanding tone, glaring at the obstinate woman.

[rheavon]

Slowly climbing down off Tor, Rheavon quickly glanced around. He felt eyes on his back, felt like someone was watching them. Only half paying attention to Breena and her brother, he watched everything out of his peripheral vision.

Being watched was normal, he was after all a Drow. A member of a race known for their misdeeds towards every surface race known. Letting out a slow sigh , he let his hands lounge on the hilts of the two swords at his hips.

Having been an assassin for so long, he had learned to never ignore such feelings. Focusing on it he kept his eyes shifting, watching in nearly every direction at once, listening to what was happening behind them. Wanting to make sure that he would be ready for whatever happened.

Walking up to Breena's left shoulder, he lightly placed his hand on it, leaning close to her ear he whispered softly, "I think we are being watched, not sure why yet, or from where...but I'm pretty sure someone is watching us and trying very hard to keep their presence unknown." Stepping back he took a quick glance behind them, before returning his attention back to Flinn. The glower that creased his features only partially because of the brother.

[Nymiane]

The arrogance of the woman before her utterly baffled Breena, here the woman stood before the Lord of the lands..she blinked slowly, unable to bring a title as to what she was to Rheavon. A mistress? The thought made her queazy, and infuriated at the same time. How dare she.
Breena readied to throttle the woman before her when she heard Rheavon's footsteps behind her, she glanced up at him casually, her eyes seeking his and noting the twinge of uneasiness. She had to admit she too felt as if she were a pheasant in an open field, sitting and waiting to be shot down.

" This is not the place or time. We haven't the time! " Breena's voice was low, but still held such a high command in it. " I have no intention on pausing, I fear for my brother's safety, and if we are being watched.." Breena paused, her lips remaining closed as she sighed.

" Are you keen on parting from me? I cannot stay here and wait until this being or beings reveal themselves. I am far too impatient, and my heart is burdened with the worry of my moronic eldest. " Finally Breena turned herself around to face Rheavon, she closed in on the space that seperated them and whispered. " I believe it would be wise to not openly acknowledge the shadows that lurk beyond the trees. Finn is to travel with us to Ta'Lorn.." Breena ripped herself away from Rheavon and shoved the woman to the side, her hand grabbing upon the collar of Finn's shirt. " Since yer bitch won't fetch us 'er new one, ye are to doo 'et! " It was a rarity that Breena would allow her accent to slip through, she had worked so hard to remove it from her. However, in the presence of her brothers, it was so very hard.
Breena pushed Finn away from herself, he was stunned that she had such force behind her. He awaited Rheavon's response to this, was he to fetch the horse still? He knew he would need a horse for himself, but he was not sure of this elf.

The arrogant woman stood there, readied to pummel Breena into the ground at any moment, she thought about drawing attention to them, but then thought better against it. What if it came back to harm her? She shuddered and shut up for the time being.

[rheavon]

Nods slowly, his face growing impassive as he agreed with her, a slight smirk tugging at the edge of his lips as his thoughts travelled to his past. How long ago was it that he would have been the one watching? It seemed to have been a different world all together, a fading dream.

All warmth drained from his eyes the moment Breena turned, locking his cold gaze upon the woman as Breena pushed her to the side. His fingers played lightly along the hilt of his sword as he openly watched her, daring her to try to retaliate against Breena's turned back. At first though, the woman barely noticed, so intent was she, her hand under her cloak, glaring at the one who she believed wronged her. Out of the corner of her eye though, she noticed him. Giving a quick jolt, she turned quickly, her hand retreating from her cloak with a gulp. Focusing on his cold demeanor, she wet her lips and took a step back. The look in his eyes telling her exactly what he would do if she tried anything.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the shadows of a small thicket of trees not far away, one shadow in particular, a shadow that would have gone unnoticed had even the most astute of people wandered by, smiled. A cold smile, devoid of all warmth as the figure cloaked in darkness whispered, "oh what fun...get given a job to kill a little girl, and find Rheavon. Perhaps this will be worth my time after all!"

With a whispered incantation, the shadow faded, draining into the shadows around, dissipating until it was gone from the area, the smile never leaving its face as it began to walk to Ta'lorn.